15 photos of Ethiopia that will make you want to be there NOW!

Ever since a friend of mine who travelled from Nairobi to Cape Town said that Ethiopia was one of his favourite counties I had wanted to go there.

So when the chance presented itself I put a fair amount of research into my trip but Ethiopia overdelivered. The food was incredible, people were friendly, scenery epic and absolutely diverse. Ultimately I was surprised just how awesome Ethiopia was.

It got me thinking about how many people still consider Ethiopia to be a dry county where civil war and famine still dominate but this couldn’t be further from the truth!

Here are 15 photos which will make you want to be in Ethiopia now! (Pics my own unless otherwise specified)

Erta Ale is an active basaltic shield, lava lake volcano in the Afar Region and is found in the Danakil Depression.

Dallol Crater: Dallol, Ethiopia, is one of the lowest and hottest points on earth. Mud, algae, salt, iron stains and hot spring activity produces a colourful but dangerous landscape in the Dallol crater.

The endless salt pans of the Danakil Depression

The people of Ethiopia are some of the friendliest people in Africa which is surprising considering their volatile history.

I never got sick of seeing beautiful rock churches chiselled into the rock. Whether that was on cliff edges, hollowed down into the earth or hidden below group there are so incredible monuments across Ethiopia. Oh looks here is another below!

Rock church of Tigray

Don’t ever think there is no wildlife in Ethiopia…there is loads. We saw hippos, monkeys, camels, baboons (hundreds!), jackals, and a whole host of birds.

Views, so many different views. This one was taken in the Simien Mountains from one of the MANY viewpoints. They call the Simien Mountains the ‘Roof of Africa and it’s easy to see why. The scenery cascades out as far as the eye can see, meets with the skyline and continues up. It seriously just bleeds on forever. This is the work of a true magician!

What could be better after a long drive and walk in the blazing sunshine, than the chance to cool off under the spray of Blue Nile waterfall and downtime to really enjoy a good view.

There is more culture and history then you could ever hope to understand on one trip alone, after all it is the birthplace of mankind!

One thing you can NEVER accuse Ethiopia of is having terrible food. It is amazing for both meat eaters and vegetarians. So much amazing food, so flavoursome and colourful.

Where else can you truly see some of the original tribes people going about their daily lives. This is slowly changing but it is still possible to witness this very different slice of life. Photo credit: The Nahmias Cipher Report

Because the beer is amazing. Walia is a tasty drop

The coffee is literally the best in the world and totally shadows Starbucks. Every time you order a coffee, they roast the beans in front of you. I mean seriously, that is fresh (and strong).

So there you go, 15 photos that should make you want to book a flight, plan a trip, and travel well!

I’ll leave you with a video summary of my trip in Ethiopia, please like and share.